Improvement of in vitro antioxidant activity of kaempferol by encapsulation in copolymer micelles

Antioxidant capacity of poorly soluble natural antioxidant kaempferol, in particular free or loaded in two types of cationic micelles, was studied on non-enzyme induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) in vitro. The micelles were based on triblock copolymers - poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA-PPO-PDMAEMA) and poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-b-poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA-PCL-PDMAEMA). The lipid peroxidation was induced by incubating of rat liver microsomes with iron sulphate and ascorbic acid (Fe2+/AA). The effect of free and micellar kaempferol (at concentrations 25, 50 and 75 μg/ml) was assessed after 20 min incubation time. In the non-enzyme lipid peroxidation model, the kaempferol-loaded micelles significantly decreased the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). The effect of kaempferol loaded in PDMAEMA-PCL-PDMAEMA micelles was more pronounced, showing an improved antioxidant activity in the conditions of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in vitro.

Solvo-thermal Assisted-Synthesis; Experimental and Theoretical Characterization; and Biological Evaluations of Azo-Chelator-Ligand Chelates of Fe(II) and Zn(II) ions

Background and Objectives: The resistance of microbes against anti-bacteriological drugs leading to countless deaths and terminal ailments remains a basis for concern. Hence, the main interest of this study was to design, synthesize and report unusual compounds with basic hydrophilic moieties plus hydrophobic functions for anti-bacteriological studies. Materials and Methods: Analytical (melting points, micro-analysis (C. H.N.S) magnetic susceptibility (µeff), molar conductance plus solubility test) methods; spectral (Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H- plus 13C-NMR), electronic(UV-Vis)) measurements; theoretical (DFT) evaluations were utilized for the characterization of the chelator and its chelates. All synthesized compounds were examined for antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials while the chelator was singly evaluated for solvent extractive capacity. Results: A nitrogenous based chelator-ligand, (E)-1-(((4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)imino)methyl) naphthalen-2-ol(LH) synthesized through reflux-condensation reaction of 2-amino-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine with 2-hydroxy-1-napthaldehyde was acquired. Further reflux of the chelator-ligand with bivalent ions of iron-sulphate and zinc-acetate salts plus 2,2’-bipyridine resulted into separate bivalent-heteroleptic metallic chelates. The deprotonated nitrogen of the amine moiety and carbon of the carbonyl gave rise to the chelator-ligand with N2O2 chromophore detected around the metallic atom in the chelates. The µeff data plus UV-Vis spectral values of the chelates conformed to 6-coordinate octahedral geometry. All the chelates were high spin and non-ionic in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The antimicrobial and antioxidant screening of the compounds presented moderate to fantastic results, while the metallic extractive proficiency of the chelator showed outstanding extractability for Fe2+ and Zn2+ions with an efficiency of 79.34% and 51.92% correspondingly. Conclusion: All the synthesized compounds are novel and demonstrated prospective biological, plus metallic ions’ extractive potentials required for designs plus isolation of products also for such actions.

Effect of Biochar Application Depth on a Former Mine Technosol: Impact on Metal(Loid)s and Alnus Growth

The contamination of soil by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a problem resulting from various anthropic activities including the exploitation of mines, which determines an accumulation of metal(loid)s in the surrounding area. It is therefore necessary to use remediation techniques to prevent the potential damage to human health and the ecosystem. One of these techniques is phytoremediation, which involves the revegetation of contaminated areas in such a way as to reduce the spread of contaminants and entry into the groundwater by stabilizing the metal(loid)s in the soil, decreasing their mobility. To increase the ability of plants to grow under the extreme conditions of contaminated soils, it is necessary to use amendments, which can also intervene directly in reducing the mobility of contaminants. In this study, an open-field mesocosm was set up using a former mining technosol contaminated mainly by As. A biochar produced from hardwood was added at two different depths to evaluate the effectiveness of these application modalities for an overall observation duration of 17 months. Iron sulphate was also applied in both non-biochar and biochar amended conditions. In addition, trees of Alnus sp. were planted to examine the effectiveness of these plants for their use in soil remediation and the effect of the treatments used. The results showed an increase in soil pH induced by the biochar, which decreased over time. During the period examined, the application of biochar in the deepest layer was able to retain As more effectively. The Alnus sp. showed similar growth rates among the various treatments, resulting from its tolerance towards arsenic.

Evaluation of Physicochemical, Spectral and Thermal Properties of Energy of Consciousness Healing Treated Iron Sulphate

Iron sulphate is used in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia and other chronic disorders such as heart and kidney diseases. This study has the objective to analyze the impact of The Trivedi Effect®-Energy of Consciousness Healing Treatment on the physicochemical, spectroscopic and thermal properties of iron sulphate using various analytical techniques. In this, the test compound, i.e., iron sulphate was divided into two parts; one as control (without Biofield Energy Treatment), and the other as Biofield Energy Treated, which received the Biofield Energy Treatment remotely by the renowned Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The PXRD analysis of the Biofield Energy Treated sample showed significant alterations in the range of -39.49 to 301.40% in the relative intensities, and from -15.40 to 33.36% in the crystallite sizes, compared with the control sample. The average crystallite size of the treated sample was also increased by 4.98% as compared to the control sample. The particle sizes in the treated sample at d10, d50, d90 and D(4,3) values were significantly increased by 67.12%, 47.72%, 33.18% and 42.01%, respectively; whereas, the specific surface area was significantly reduced by 38.39%, compared with the control sample. The TGA thermograms showed three steps of thermal degradation in which, the weight loss of Biofield Energy Treated sample in the first and second step was reduced by 5.82% and 16.09%, respectively, while, it was increased by 6.78% in the third step, compared to the control sample. The total weight loss in the treated sample was also reduced by 2.76%, along with slight alteration in the maximum thermal decomposition temperature, compared with the control sample. The DSC analysis showed the decrease in the melting temperatures of the 1st, 2nd and 4th peaks by 8.24%, 19.29%, and 0.61%, respectively, while 4.57% increase in the 3rd peak of the treated sample, compared with the control sample. The latent heat of fusion (ΔH) corresponding to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th peaks of the treated sample also showed alterations by -92.29, -86.29, 60.92, and 6.37%, respectively, compared with the control sample. The Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment might produce a novel polymorphic form of iron sulphate having increased crystallite and particle size along with enhanced thermal stability. It may help in improving the quality, safety and stability during the process of handling, storage, and shipment of the iron sulphate with better therapeutic response against iron deficiency anaemia.

Leech in the Rectum Causing Lower GI Bleeding in a Four Years Old Child: A Case Report

BACKGROUND፡ Leeches belong to a group of annelids of the class Hirudinea which are blood feeding ecto-parasites of humans, wild animals and domesticated animals. A leech can suck out as much blood as ten times its own weight. Leech can occur at different sites in humans commonly in the eyes, nasopharynx, larynx, urethra, and vagina and rarely in the rectum.CASE DETAILS: This is a four years old male child who presented with painless, bright red rectal bleeding for two weeks. Heamatocrit was 9.2%. Leech was removed from the rectum by letting the child sit on a bucket of water. The patient was transfused, followed for 24 hours and discharged with iron sulphate syrup.CONCLUSION: Leech infestation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child presenting with hematochezia.

STUDY OF THE CUMULATIVE PROPERTIES OF «INDEZ» ON LABORATORY WHITE RATES

The article presents the results of the study of «Indez» disinfectant. An effective disinfectant for use in animal husbandry should be easy to use, be non-toxic, have broad bactericidal spectrum, be non-carcinogenic, have non-addictive micro-flora and provide a permanent bactericidal effect in the presence of animals, while sanitizing the air environment. «Indez» disinfectant is a small, amorphous grey powder with a specific odour, well sprayed. It is composed of triiodomethane (iodoform), zinc oxide, iron sulphate (II) (iron sulphate), copper sulphate, silicon dioxide, zeolite, active essential oils, a complex of surfactants and pH regulators, auxiliaries. This preparation can be used in the presence of animals; the disinfectant effect is based on the spectrum of antimicrobial action of its constituents. In the experiment of the study of the cumulative properties of «Indez» 80 white rats weighing 180-200 ± 10 g, tested doses of 1/5, 1/10, 1/20, from DL50 were used. To the animals of the experimental group, the suspension of the preparation was administered orally: in the first 4 days - 1/5 of DL50, then 1/10 and 1/20. Animals of the control group were administered saline at a dose of 0.5 ml. Observations on rats were carried out for 22 days. Depending on the dose of the drug, the cumulation coefficient. As a result of the study of the cumulative properties of the drug it is established that the introduction of a total dose of «Indez» 56,8 cm3 per 1 kg body weight does not cause death of white rats. When conducting a total dose of 63,4 cm3 / kg body weight one animal died, representing 5 %. Further administration of the drug lethality was on the 18-th day (total dose 83,13 cm3 / kg) – 15 %, on the 19-th day (total dose 93,0 cm3 / kg) – 20 % and the 20-th day (total dose 102,87 cm3 / kg) – 45 %. With an increase of 9,873 1,5 times (1,8095 cm3 / kg) on the 21-st day, the mortality rate was 80 %, and on the 22-nd day of the studies 90 % of laboratory animals were killed, the total dose was 1032,49 cm3 / kg. Under the study of the cumulative properties of «Indez» disinfectant, it was found that the cumulation coefficient in rats is 2,2 units. This, in turn, indicates that the test agent has moderately pronounced properties for cumulation. In this case, white rats inhibit the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow and reduce the body’s defences, as evidenced by a probable decrease in leukocyte count and a slight decrease in haemoglobin, lymphocyte count, spleen mass factor, and increased segmentation.

Eliminating Hydrogen Peroxide Volatiles after Lead White Conversion Treatment Via Sorption Agents

Hydrogen peroxide (HP) residues that remain after the conversion of blackened lead white may cause unwanted paper discolouration and degradation. Four VOCs sorption materials were tested for their ability to eliminate HP gas evolving from the treated substrate. This was tested by measuring the change in HP concentration in aqueous solution and in an enclosed air space in the presence of MicroChamber® Interleaving Paper, Corrosion Intercept® film, Zorflex® activated carbon cloth (ACC) and iron sulphate-impregnated paper. Detection with the colour indicator Quantofix® test strips and a Dräger X-am® 5100 single gas detection device showed that ACC is by far most efficient in decreasing the HP concentration. ACC was also effective in preventing paper discolouration in test objects that had been HP-treated for lead white conversion and then were stored sandwiched between ACC. Although ACC may not eliminate all HP from the substrate, it can diminish its negative effects on the treated object and protect other objects in the vicinity.

Study of Sulphatizing Roasting Process Using Iron Sulphates for the Treatment of Zinc Leach Residue

The paper presents the results of the investigation of zinc leach residue (ZLR) processing by sulphatizing roasting with iron sulphates FeSO4 and Fe2(SO4)3 followed by water leaching. The elemental and phase compositions of ZLR of JSC "Chelyabinsk Zinc Plant" were studied. Based on the thermodynamic calculations using HSC Chemistry 9.9 software, the temperature ranges of the sulphatizing roasting and the required amounts of iron sulphate additives for the sulphation of zinc and copper were determined. Subsequent experiments showed that recovery rates of zinc and copper reached 99.5% and 89.1% respectively, while iron remained in the leached residue. The results have indicated a high efficiency of sulphatizing roasting to transform zinc and copper contained in ZLR from ferrite to water-soluble sulphate.